2012 Started off better than I could ever expect. My partner JoAnne’s cell phone rang and much to her surprise it was our dear friend and greatest living artist of our time, Will Barnet. I could not think of a better way to start 2012 then to receive a phone call from him – it was very special for both of us. Will Barnet is not only a great artist but a great teacher, mentor and one of the kindest most generous people that God put on this planet. We were planning on having lunch with Will after we returned from the F1 race in Austin Texas but on the flight to Austin we found out that Will had passed away the day before. With the upcoming New Year it’s a bittersweet memory that will remain very dear to us.

To start out this New Year – yesterday, my partner JoAnne and I got a surprise visit from our former studio manager Scott who flew in from Minnesota for Holiday time with his family and brought us some really good news. He just landed a position as product designer for Sportech Inc, working with almost every ATV, Snowmobile and Recreational Vehicle company in the US. We’re so very happy for him.

Another piece of good news is that yesterday our Federal Express truck picked up a 20×24 inch photo of Will Barnet destined to be part of the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC. I know Will Barnet looked down with that beautiful smile and was very happy for JoAnne as it was his favorite. In the world of photography it doesn’t get better than that. I’m extremely proud and happy for JoAnne as well as being a little jealous. How wonderful this is for her. JoAnne has a great talent but has always been a little to understated so I choose to sound off for her.

We’re looking forward to a great 2013 and more good news. To certain friends and you know who you are – you’re in my prayers. Happy New Year to All – Joe DiMaggio